October was a good month for new heavy-duty truck orders—a welcome respite from the previous couple of months.
The report comes from the Columbus-based ACT Research, and ACT Senior Partner and General Manager Ken W.Vieth says that Q4 is typically the start of the new order season for big trucks.
"Assuming October is not a one-month shot of adrenalin and recognizing that orders have gradually edged higher quarter by quarter in 2013, our expectations are for further strength in the fourth quarter," Vieth added.
When released mid-month, NA Classes 5-7 orders were expected at 18,600 units (±5%) and Class 8 orders were expected at 26,300 units (±5%).
Commented Vieth: "The Classes 5-7 OEM build plan for October 2013 shows a volume almost identical to the new preliminary net orders received: This suggests Classes 5-7 backlog will remain flat heading into end of year production planning. The strength of the net orders was broad based amongst the Classes 5-8 vehicle manufacturers suggesting some geographic and application balance as well," Vieth added.
